It's more his life rather than his death that's controversial. During his life he chose to serve Nero, one of Rome's bloodiest tyrants, and profited greatly from his service. To some that has seemed rather hypocritical for someone who preached a life of self-denial, detachment from worldly things, and distance from rulers and politics.

In Seneca's defense, some have pointed out that he tried to moderate Nero and steer him towards the path of virtue, though he ultimately failed.